How can you keep remote teams engaged during virtual workshops?

The first right step is half the mission accomplished. Having said that it is of paramount importance to choose the right set of tools. To be able to do that one must take into consideration the people and process into consideration, what are the existing practices and pitching an entirely new one might be faced with resistance as a basic nature. Also the agenda of the workshop is of importance (is it based on or push or pull model). Further to that based on the outcomes the activities should be planned to keep it interactive and enriching. It should be short enough to keep the interest alive and long enough to serve the purpose.

You need collaboration tools to engage your teams. You can use Google Docs, Slides, or Sheets to make collaboration online documents. Because the tools is online, we can collaborate or work together with your teams everywhere and at any time. Just share the link, and you can collaborate.

Agree with this point but there is something we need to monitor 2 things: - the people that struggle to use online tools - the time that the group needs to switch from one tool to the other The real target is not to use tools, but to make the switch between tool as smooth as possible!

Video Conferencing Platforms can be used for regular team meetings, project updates, brainstorming sessions, and even virtual team-building activities. For example, a project manager can share their screen to present a project timeline or a Gantt chart and use breakout rooms for smaller group discussions. Collaboration Tools like Google Docs or Slides can be used for collaborative planning and documentation. For instance, a project plan or a project charter can be created in Google Docs, allowing all team members to contribute. Jamboard can be used for virtual brainstorming or affinity diagramming sessions. Feedback and Polling Tools like Mentimeter or Kahoot can be used to gauge team members’ opinions on project decisions

Absolutely, selecting the right tools is key to a successful virtual workshop. Firstly, choosing a reliable video conferencing platform that supports screen sharing, breakout rooms, and participant chat is essential. Additionally, having tools for collaborative document editing and presentation, like Google Docs, Slides, or Jamboard, enhances the interactive nature of the workshop. Lastly, incorporating feedback mechanisms such as Mentimeter, Kahoot, or SurveyMonkey allows for real-time engagement and evaluation. These tools not only streamline the workshop process but also ensure a more engaging and productive experience for participants.

In my opinion, to keep remote teams engaged during virtual workshops, it is crucial to plan the agenda and activities carefully. Long and boring lectures should be avoided, as they can lead to participant disengagement. Instead, a dynamic and interactive workshop should be created. Icebreakers, warm-ups, and energizers can be used to break the ice and build rapport. Discussions, debates, and case studies can stimulate critical thinking and collaboration. Games, simulations, and role-plays can be utilized to practice skills and apply knowledge. Quizzes, polls, and feedback forms can be utilised to assess learning and satisfaction. By implementing these strategies, remote teams can be effectively engaged during virtual workshops.

I am usually very transparent during my trainings and I communicate my planning / agenda before I start, so that people know my targets, what I have in mind, and where I want to go. It works very well for me!

Lectures and slide decks are boring! I look to entertain and engage my audience as much as possible. I use my slide decks as the outline. I add in an ice breaker, games, demos, and simulations as I can. I use the breakout rooms to help the audience engage with each other and then plan larger discussions after they have become more comfortable in the smaller breakout rooms. Planning the activities, demos, and interactions allows me to help to reach more people in my audience. I also add in knowledge checks and polls throughout the workshop to gage the audiences participation and knowledge. Finally I include a survey at the end as well as sent to them immediately after the workshop to get in the moment feedback. Give more, Get more!

-Make the sessions to be not longer than 40 minutes. -Divide the 40 minutes of the sessions with a timeline of different activities. -Emphasise and motivate them to attend all sessions.

I always cross expectations at the beginning of every training: - I ask them "what do you expect from this training and from me?" - I tell them "what I expect from you is..." (e.g. being fully engaged for 3h)

Providing handouts early so that participants can study the content and establish a general understanding before the session. Sometimes, participants can ask better questions which enables them to understand the topic(s) better, or even decide not to attend due to lack of interest for the agenda, as one example. Personally, I have observed that there are some people who stayed throughout the session out of respect of the invite and the speaker/organiser, and they are literally 'zoned out'.

-Deliver the code of conduct, set the ground rules and give them an option to add their opinions. -Make them submit their confirmations for compliance before every session.

Treat your audience as if they are live in front of you. Although this may be a virtual workshop, you are still speaking to them live and they need that live feedback and interaction. Include them in the discussions. Ask open ended questions and give out prizes or badges for participating. Treat your audience as if they are in the room with you and see your engagement increase dramatically.

In my course of preparing and conducting webinars and speaking in conferences and networking events, I have encountered several schemas of participants, I shall name them arbitrary by these groups, the Audio and Visual (A+V), the Dominant Visual (V+), and Kinesthetic and Participative (K+P). In a presentation format, all 3 schema types respond generally well with slides that are clear/simple with speech, however when presented with an impromptu engagement activity such as a quiz or a joke, the V+ group remains the most calm, while the K+P group suddenly springs into 200% attention mode.

Keep the content of your virtual workshops diverse and engaging by Incorporating a mix of presentations, videos, case studies, and group exercises to maintain their interest and cater to different learning styles. Also try encourage sharing of ideas and perspectives to create a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

By adapting to different learning styles and incorporating interactive elements while offering flexibility in participation, remote workshops can effectively engage team members and enhance learning outcomes. Here are my insights: Adapt to Learning Styles: Tailor virtual workshops to accommodate various learning styles, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic preferences. Incorporate Interactive Elements: Utilize a mix of slides, videos, discussions, group activities, and hands-on exercises to keep remote teams engaged. Offer Flexibility: Provide options for participation through chat, voice, or video, allowing team members to engage in ways that suit their preferences.

One thing I have found useful as a presenter, is to observe the participants. There seems to be always some super attentive participant(s) who may want to share his/her perspective with others, or even ask an interesting question. In my experience, providing a special allowance for giving this attentive participant(s) to contribute, can improve the engagement of the session.